Best Tent Camping near Mcdowell, VA

Recent Tent Reviews near Mcdowell, Virginia

743 Reviews of 32 Mcdowell Campgrounds

• 

  Brian W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 22, 2019

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  WORDS CANT DESCRIBE

  This place is amazing!!!. If your into primitive camping at it's best this place is it. This is where me and wife went on are first tent camping trip and ever since we compare every other tent site to Spruce Knob. As of know nothing has compared.

• 

  Chris E.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2020

  Montebello Resort

  Simply Wonderful

  This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

  The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out.

  The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole & the camp store has EVERYTHING!!

  Love this place! It is a great spot to go tent camping.

  Call and speak with the staff about the best dates to go. They helped is pick a day when there were NO other people there.

  Such a great spot.

• K

  Kaleigh

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 24, 2022

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Beautiful river access tent sites

  Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.

• 

  Stephanie J.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Sherando Lake Campground

  Great Recreation Area, Mid-Grade Tent Camping

  Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA. Convenient to both Richmond and Charlottesville, it brings people in for camping and day-use alike.

  There are three camping loops here; a standard non-electric loop (loop A/White Oak Loop), and two RV loops (B and C). Both of the RV loops are very flat and open, with little shade or privacy between sites. They have electric hookups and drinking water available, but do not have water hookups. The tent loop is the oldest loop in this campground, and is heavily wooded, with sites along both meadow and backing up to the mountain. These sites do not have any hookups, but most have driveways large enough for campers and RVs 28' in length or under. All tent sites have fire rings, utility poles, and large picnic tables, and tent pads that are raked clear by campground hosts between guests.

  The biggest benefits of this campground are its location, and the recreation area. It's about an hour and a half west of Richmond and only thirty minutes from Charlottesville, making it a great weekend trip without having to take time away from work. And as for recreation, it's wonderful. There are two lakes--the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and and while the beach can get crowded during peak season, it's an easy walk from the campground, with a large swimming area roped off. Canoeing is available at the lake, and there are several hiking trails, ranging from the easy lakeside trail, to more difficult trails that connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other trails in George Washington National Forest. Fishing is available at both lakes with the proper licensing. There are several large picnic areas right on the lower lake, and a few smaller creekside spaces with picnic table and grills.

  All that said; for RV campers this is an excellent campsite. While the loops with hookups are lacking in shade and privacy, having an RV or camper will afford you what the site itself lacks, and the location and activities make this a great basecamp.

  For tent camping, it's good if you live in one of the nearby cities and want the shorter drive time, or if you like tent camping but still want all the benefits of front-country camping. As a place to set up camp and enjoy spending time near your tent, Sherando is exceptionally maintained. There is not a lot of opportunities for foraging for firewood, which means purchasing heat-treated wood nearby, and while the sites are very shady, there is little underbrush between sites to offer a privacy barrier. Many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance.

  Enjoyment of this campground will largely depend on what type of camper you are. If you are mainly looking for a place to get outside of the city, where you can set up for the night and have easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, or boating, this is a great campground. This is where we typically chose to take friends if they were new to camping, as the bathrooms are well-lit, the road is paved, and the sites are so well-maintained. Plus at $20 a night, while it's more expensive than its neighbors in Shenandoah National Park or Cave Mountain Lake, it's a shorter drive from the neighboring cities, and doesn't have the additional NPS fee. However, if you want something that feels more rugged, or with campsites that offer a greater feeling of privacy, it would be better to skip this one.

• 

  Jeff E.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Beaver Creek Campground — Watoga State Park

  Great camping

  I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times over the years. Nice sites for tent camping. Clear skies and a decent bathhouse.

• 

  Kassie F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 17, 2020

  Seneca Shadows

  Great location!

  Great location for fly fishing & hiking. The tent camping area has a view of Seneca Rocks while the camper trailer/RV sites are wooded.

• B

  Brian C.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 21, 2021

  Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Small tent sites with big noise

  Stayed in tent site 005, and while it wasn’t the smallest of the tent sites or least private, if was very close to the main look road and every car entering the camp loop passes right by the site up the hill within eyesight. Camp store didn’t allow dogs, and I didn’t feel good leaving my dog unattended in the park (which is their rule) I didn’t get to visit the store. One good thing was the view from the amphitheater

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Dec. 22, 2021

  Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Opt for the non-generator loop!

  Beautiful part of the SNP. I was unfortunately tent camping next to a loud RV, but that was my fault for booking the wrong site! Lovely hikes nearby.

• 

  Kathie M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 13, 2018

  Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Great view

  It’s has small sites, great for tent camping, but not great for a fifth wheel. Bath houses are available and a small amp store.great for overnight camping and some bear coolers are available.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 27, 2017

  Seneca Shadows

  Seneca Rocks Cast Their Shadow

  West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it.

  Wanting to spend the a few days midweek in and around Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, we chose Seneca Shadows Campground as our basecamp. Aptly named, as views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site.

  Smack dab in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows Campground is part of the U.S. Forest Service, so if you are planning a weekend or popular vacation time stay, log onto (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/mapof_Seneca_Shadows/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70322 ) and reserve your site.

  If you are driving a big RV or hauling a Camper, you'll be parking on one of the 38 sites designed specifically for that purpose. There are a few large group tent sites on the same side of the park roadway before you reach the individual tent sites. Be astute, some have electric and some do not.

  Forgive me for saying, but the tent sites appear designed by someone only interested in allowing as many tenters as possible, without regard for privacy...more like cattle in a feed lot (with the exception of 50-53). These are considered "walk to" sites. So I would not camp here during a weekend or holiday. Fortunately, weekdays see few tenters and we had it all to ourselves. Staying on somewhat of an elevated site (50) with some encompassing foliage. However, a roadway runs along the campground to the north, so we heard truck traffic early morning and late. Water and restrooms are located by the parking lot and adequate.

  The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurance is WV)...and only one mile from entrance to entrance with the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=7050)...and 14.3 miles/Half hour drive to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,862 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053). At the crossroads a mile away are a couple restaurants and a country store (with ice cream shop) for last minute needs.

  While I prefer more isolated campgrounds and sites, this filled the need.

• 

  Marianne S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 3, 2021

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  more remote and primitive for car camping

  A great, quiet campground with fewer sites than most.  It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia).  Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like.  Some drive up, some drive, park, and walk up.  There is a single water source and I'd highly recommend boiling first.  H20 does NOT taste good at all.  There are a couple of outhouses, and no shower facilities.

• 

  Jeff S.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 5, 2020

  Tea Creek Campground

  Trout Fishing Paradise

  This is a great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby. First photo is 100 yards from the campground.

• 

  Julia A.

  Scout

  

  May. 13, 2019

  Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

  For glamping not camping

  Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong. 3 stars for the high quality amenities available but needs site maintenance.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Mar. 21, 2021

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  2 Night Minimum

  Just went to book a site since I’m in the area, and it’s a two-night minimum to tent camp. This seems crazy for a Sunday night and the campground is not at all packed. It’s also $50/night, which is too high for primitive sites.

• 

  Jen V.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 19, 2017

  Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Great views, secluded sites

  Tent-camped here with a group of friends, and the site was plenty large enough for 2 tents, a makeshift tarp shelter, and vehicle. We ended up getting rained out, unfortunately, but not before we got to do a little hiking and relaxing by the fire :) Beautiful area, with lots of great hiking trails right near the campground.

• D

  Dave L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 15, 2019

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Nice place

  Enjoyed the area. Campground is nice and the facilities are very clean. Good place to roam around if you have a dog. Tent sites are somewhat close together but overall great place to camp.

• 

  Ashley F.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 13, 2023

  Kiss the Earth

  Very Private Site

  Ashley here with The Dyrt. I want to welcome this partner to our platform. This is private land where you will be camping in the woods. Site is level and perfect for car or tent camping. Pack it in, pack it out. Book your stay today and leave them some love!

• 

  Ryan Z.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 2, 2021

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Bunnies everywhere!

  Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 4, 2020

  Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground

  A State Park for all Seasons

  Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia

  The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC. The summer sees backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, gravel grinders, car-campers and RVers. Not only do you have hiking trails here on the State Park location...you can drive up to the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for camping, day-hikes or multi-day backcountry trips; Blackwater Falls (10 miles north) offers memorable falls, great hikes with long gorge views (Lindy Point a favorite). Even Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob are only 30 minutes or so away. Possibilities are endless in this neck of the woods. This very weekend was to be the Mountainbike Festival, but due to Covid-19, well you know the rest of that story. The Abe Run Trail was a pleasant trail leaving from the campground.

  The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops (see photo of campground map). Primitive tent sites don't have water or electric and parking is roadside but you are within 100 yards of the "Comfort Station." The three "tent only" sites have only been around for a couple years...but sites 1 and 2 are in a nice grassy area away from the RV loop 2. Always verify current rates, but June 18, 2020...mid $30's nightly for nonresidents (WV residents get 30% off). Primitive tent sites were $17 a night.

  The Resort Lodge, Golf course, swimming pool and a covered ice skating rink (obviously the last three mentioned being seasonal) were further up the windy park roadway. (See rates on park website).

  The campground "Comfort Station," is a restroom/shower/laundry and soda machine building. The gender specific restroom/shower rooms each have two wooden stalled modern facility stools, two shower stalls (men's are separated by a shower curtain, women's by a wall); a separate unisex ADA restroom/shower sits adjacent to the men's and appears newer.

  The grounds are well-maintained and manicured as are all WV State Parks. Trails are scattered throughout the park. some are foot traffic only, others permit bicycles. The Back Hollow Trail was predominantly a mown grass trail but occasional wooded sections were rocky two-track. This is Wet Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months.

  Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening. A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2.

  We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them.

• D

  David

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2021

  Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

  Typical KOA Primitive camping expensive

  Nice tightly packed campground including tent camping. We sent up camp D22. Very tight spacing. Noisy neighbors with no consideration for other campers. No water/electricity. Over $100 for 2 nights. Nice staff. Bathrooms ok and clean. Camp store nice with decent pizza delivery possible. We mountain biked at Bryce ski resort 40 minutes away.

• 

  Ed M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Bear Heaven Campground

  Quiet and clean Campground

  Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis. Very nice area and primitive campsites to base your outdoor adventures from!

• S

  Sarah M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2020

  Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Gorgeous! Great spot for hiking and car camping!

  Beautiful spot on to of a bald. Good amount of tree coverage from rain/other groups. Some of the tent sites are close to neighbors, but we made friends! No more than 5 minute walk to bathrooms and water source. Would highly recommend!

• 

  Kenneth K.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 19, 2018

  Kumbrabow State Forest

  Peaceful creekside

  Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels.

• 

  Sonya N.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2020

  Waynesboro North 340 Campground

  10/10

  10/10 would stay again.

  Bathrooms? Super clean! Water pressure? Phenomenal. Hot water? Oh yes!!!!! I think 30$ a night for a tent site is a bit high but the shower did help ease that ha And I might be too used to boondocking and utilizing BLM land

• 

  Bradley B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

  Family Friendly

  This Koa was fantastic. Spent my Labor Day weekend here and loved it. The staff handled the crowd great and they had loads of activities for kids. Everything was very clean and kept up really nice. The tent sites were pretty close together but we had great neighbors.

• 

  Meredith Y.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 11, 2020

  Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

  Very Clean Campsite convenient to I 80

  This campground has incredibly clean bathroom and shower facilities along with an immaculate site. Each tent site is fairly large and has a flat mulch covered spot for a large tent with a picnic table and fire pit next to it. The site is about 8 minutes off the highway and makes a great stopping point. Would definitely stay here again.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Aug. 30, 2019

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Close to Skydiving!

  Have stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren’t super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring. Both times we had a nice stay, both times in a cabin. Lots of antiquing and flea marketing in the area.